Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SLENT, v. See also Sklent. To move in an oblique manner, to go slantwise (Ork., Ags., Kcb. 1970). Also in Eng. dial. Ppl.adj. slent, slanted.Lnl. 1767 Session Papers, Petition J. Dick (17 Nov.) Proof 13:
He has sometimes carried the victual . . . slenting along the ridges which lye down from Woodside houses towards the water. . . . The road . . . is steep; but as it slents a good deal, loaded carts can, and really do pass and travel upon it.Rxb. 1821 A. Scott Poems 144:
Wi' slent-up strokes, as rumour sings, Ilk on his foeman bears.
